Series I. Constitutional Convention, 1937-1941, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series is comprised of materials related to Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s position as delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention in 1938. Much of the series constitutes documents regarding the 1937 election, including voting schedules and results, colorful district maps, candidate promotional materials and other ephemera, and correspondence in light of Nathan's victory. However, the series also includes correspondence about the convention itself, such as a letter from Nathan to his wife, Mabel, on the daily routine at the convention, fairly extensive records on amendments proposed in Albany, and a souvenir poster signed by the members of the Committee on the Judiciary (especially significant are the signatures of Al Smith and Robert Wagner). Post-convention correspondence, which is also included in the series, is primarily in regards to dinner reunion plans and two funerals for former delegates to the convention. Additionally, the series contains 11 of the original 12 volumes of reading material sent out to the delegates in preparation for their duties, which mainly concern foundational information on U.S. government and constitutional history.
Arrangement
The series is organized in rough chronological order, beginning with campaign materials and election congratulations, followed by general correspondence, proposed amendments, and clippings on the convention, and ending with post-convention correspondence. Print matter and oversize materials complete the series.
Campaign Materials (2 folders of 3), 1937, inclusive
Campaign Materials (Folder 3 of 3), 1937, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Oversize 1937 Borough of Manhattan election schedule, Republican ballot instructional manual and oversize maps of 7th and 11th Manhattan Assembly Districts.
Congratulations on Election, 1937, inclusive
Misc. Constitutional Convention Correspondence, 1937-1939, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Includes 1938 letter from Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. to wife on daily routine during Constitutional Convention.
Proposed Amendments (Folder 1 of 2), 1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains name-embossed book of proposed amendments at the convention with Edgar J. Nathan, Jr.'s annotations.
Proposed Amendments (Folder 2 of 2), 1938, inclusive
Clippings (2 folders), 1937-1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Folder 7 includes a clipping about World War I.
Post-Constitutional Convention Correspondence (2 folders), 1939-1941, inclusive
Constitutional Committee Reports, Vol. 1-10 and 12, 1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Volumes include, New York State Constitution Annotated, Amendments Proposed to New York Constitution, Constitutions of the States and United States, State and Local Government in New York, New York City Government Functions and Problems, Problems Relating to Bill of Rights and General Welfare, Problems Relating to Legislative Organization and Powers, Problems Relating to Executive Administration and Powers, Problems Relating to Judicial Administration and Organization, Problems Relating to Taxation and Finance, and an index. All volumes inscribed with Edgar J. Nathan, III's name and address.
Constitutional Committee Note, 1938, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Contains copies of note from Constitutional Committee Chairman Charles Poletti on the purpose of the committee reports. Originally enclosed in accompanying volumes.
Oversize Constitutional Convention Seating Map, 1938
Oversize Committee on the Judiciary Poster, 1938
Scope and Contents
Features the signatures of all members of the committee, as well as other prominent New York politicians who were involved with the convention, including Al Smith and Robert Wagner.